Ceramic electronic component and method for manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A ceramic electronic component has a ceramic element assembly, external electrodes, and metal terminals. The external electrodes are arranged on the surface of the ceramic element assembly. The external electrodes contain a sintered metal. The metal terminals are electrically connected to the external electrodes, respectively. The external electrode and the metal terminal are directly diffusion-bonded by diffusion of metal in the metal terminals into the external electrodes. The above arrangement provides a ceramic electronic component having highly reliable metal particle bonding and a method for manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a ceramic electronic component, andmore particularly to a ceramic electronic component having externalelectrodes and metal terminals electrically connected to the externalelectrodes, and a method for manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, ceramic electronic components, such as a ceramic capacitor,are placed in an environment in which they are easily subjected to amechanical stress in mounting or during use. For example, a stress isapplied to a ceramic electronic component in some cases when a wiringboard on which the ceramic electronic component has been mounted bendsor when the temperature of the wiring board changes to change the volumeof a wiring board due to thermal expansion, for example. Thus, when astress is applied to a ceramic electronic component, fractures or cracksmay occur in ceramic element assemblies. In view of such problems,Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 4-259205 hasproposed a method for bonding a metal terminal to an external electrodeof a ceramic capacitor element using a solder containing lead in aproportion of about 80% or more and about 98% or lower, for example.

However, in recent years, the restriction of the use of certainhazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment has rapidlyproceeded as typified by the European RoHS directive or the like, andthe use of a solder containing lead is becoming less acceptable. In viewof this, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2003-303736, the use of a Sn—Sb high temperature solder for bondingterminal electrodes of electronic components and metal terminals, forexample, has been proposed.

However, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 4-259205 and Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2003-303736, when external electrodes and metalterminals are soldered to each other, there has been a problem in thatbonding reliability decreases due to insufficient reflow heat resistancewhen mounting on a substrate, deterioration of a solder itself ordeterioration due to the generation of an intermetallic compound at abonding interface under a high temperature environment or athermal-cycle environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above problems, preferred embodiments of the presentinvention provide a ceramic electronic component having highly reliablemetal terminal bonding, and a method for manufacturing the same.

A ceramic electronic component according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention has a ceramic element assembly, an externalelectrode, and a metal terminal. The external electrode is arranged onthe surface of the ceramic element assembly. The external electrodecontains a sintered metal. The metal terminal is electrically connectedto the external electrode. In the ceramic electronic component accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the externalelectrode and the metal terminal are preferably directlydiffusion-bonded by diffusion of metal in the metal terminal into theexternal electrode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metalterminal has a terminal body and a plating film arranged on the terminalbody, in which the external electrode and the metal terminal arepreferably directly diffusion-bonded by diffusion of both metal in theterminal body and metal in the plating film into the external electrode.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, theplating film preferably has a lower plating film arranged on theterminal body and an upper plating film arranged on the lower platingfilm.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, theterminal body and the lower plating film each preferably contain Ni, Fe,Cu, Ag, Cr, or an alloy containing at least one of the metals as a maincomponent and the upper plating film preferably contains Sn, Ag, Au, oran alloy containing at least one of the metals as a main component.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the external electrode contains Cu, Ni, Ag, Pd, or an alloycontaining at least one of the metals as a main component.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the ceramic electronic component preferably has ananti-corrosion film that covers an exposed portion of the outer surfaceof the external electrode.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the external electrode and the metal terminal are preferablydiffusion-bonded at a plurality of locations.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the metal terminal is preferably diffusion-bonded to theexternal electrode and has a plurality of filament-like terminalportions disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel to eachother.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the ceramic element assembly preferably has a first endsurface and a second end surface that are mutually opposite, theexternal electrode has a first external electrode that covers the firstend surface and a second external electrode that covers the second endsurface, and the metal terminal has a first metal terminal electricallyconnected to the first external electrode and a second metal terminalelectrically connected to the second external electrode.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the surface of the external electrode is not covered with aplating film.

A method for manufacturing a ceramic electronic component according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method formanufacturing the ceramic electronic component according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. The method formanufacturing a ceramic electronic component according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention preferably includes heating theexternal electrode and the metal terminal while being contacted todiffuse metal in the metal terminal into the external electrode fordirect diffusion-bonding of the external electrode and the metalterminal.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing aceramic electronic, a terminal for diffusion-bonding is brought intocontact with the metal terminal, and applying a current a plurality oftimes upon heating the external electrode and the metal terminal whilebeing contacted for diffusion-bonding thereof. Preferably, the metalterminal is heated to a temperature range in which cracks do not occurin the ceramic element assembly at a first current application among theplurality of current applications.

In the ceramic electronic component according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention, the external electrode and the metal terminalare preferably directly diffusion-bonded by diffusion of the metal inthe metal terminal into the external electrode, and thus metal terminalbonding excellent in heat resistance or reliability can be achieved.

Other features, elements, characteristics and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the present invention withreference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ceramic electronic component accordingto a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view as viewed along direction of arrow II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view as viewed along direction of arrow III-III in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view as viewed along direction of arrow IV-IV in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section showing a bonding state of a firstexternal electrode with a first metal terminal according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross section showing a diffusion-bonding process of thefirst external electrode with the first metal terminal according to afirst preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross section showing a diffusion-bonding process of thefirst external electrode with the first metal terminal according to afirst modified example of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a ceramic electronic component according to asecond preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross section showing a diffusion-bonding process of thefirst external electrode with the first metal terminal according to asecond preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a ceramic electronic component according to athird preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross section showing a diffusion-bonding process of thefirst external electrode with the first metal terminal according to athird preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a ceramic electronic component according to afourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross section showing a diffusion-bonding process of thefirst external electrode with the first metal terminal according to afourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross section of a ceramic electronic component accordingto a second modified example of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a diffusion-bondingprocess according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic front view showing a diffusion-bonding method bya pulse heat system according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing temperature changes of the metal terminal whena current is applied 1 time upon diffusion-bonding by a pulse heatsystem in a modified example of the manufacturing method according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing temperature changes of the metal terminal whena current is applied a plurality of times upon diffusion-bonding by apulse heat system in a modified example of the manufacturing methodaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic front view showing a heating method using aparallel gap system according to another modified example of the methodfor manufacturing a ceramic electronic component according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a relationship between an applied current whenheating is performed by a parallel gap system upon diffusion-bonding andtemperature changes of the metal terminal in the method formanufacturing a ceramic electronic component according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a relationship between an applied current,when heating is performed by a parallel gap system upondiffusion-bonding and a current is applied also in a period oftemperature decrease, and temperature changes of the metal terminal inthe method for manufacturing a ceramic electronic component according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First PreferredEmbodiment

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a ceramic electronic component 1 has aceramic element 2 and a pair of metal terminals 16 and 17. The ceramicelement 2 has a ceramic element assembly 10 preferably having asubstantially rectangular parallelepiped shape which has beenR-chamfered, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the ceramic elementassembly 10 has a plurality of laminated ceramic layers 11, and aplurality of first internal electrodes preferably having a substantiallyrectangular shape and a plurality of second internal electrodes 13having a substantially rectangular shape disposed between the dielectriclayers.

The ceramic layer 11 is formed using a suitable ceramic. For example,when the ceramic electronic component 1 is a capacitor, the ceramiclayer 11 is formed using a dielectric ceramic, such as a BaTiO₃ ceramic.For example, when the ceramic electronic component 1 is a piezoelectriccomponent, the ceramic electronic component 1 is formed using apiezoelectric ceramic, such as a PZT ceramic. For example, when theceramic electronic component 1 is a thermistor, the ceramic electroniccomponent 1 is formed using a semiconductor ceramic, such as a spinelceramic, for example.

The plurality of first internal electrodes 12 and the plurality ofsecond internal electrodes 13 are alternately laminated. Some of theplurality of the first internal electrodes 12 and some of the pluralityof the second internal electrodes 13 are mutually interposed in thelamination direction of the first internal electrodes 12 and the secondinternal electrodes 13. The ceramic layer 11 is disposed between each ofthe first internal electrodes 12 and each of the second internalelectrodes 13.

The material used for each of the first and second internal electrodes12 and 13 is suitably selected according to desired properties for theceramic electronic component 1, kind of the ceramic layer 11, etc. Forexample, each of the first and second internal electrodes 12 and 13 isformed of a metal, such as Cu, Ni, Ag, or Pd or an alloy, such as anAg—Pd alloy, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first internal electrode 12 extends froma first end surface 10 a of the ceramic element assembly 10. On thefirst end surface 10 a, a first external electrode 14 is defined.Specifically, the first external electrode 14 is arranged so as to coverthe first end surface 10 a. The first internal electrode 12 iselectrically connected to the first external electrode 14.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second internal electrode 13 extends froma second end surface 10 b of the ceramic element assembly 10. On thesecond end surface 10 b, a second external electrode 15 is defined.Specifically, the second external electrode 15 is arranged so as tocover the second end surface 10 b. The second internal electrode 13 iselectrically connected to the second external electrode 15.

In this preferred embodiment, each of the first and second externalelectrodes 14 and 15 preferably contains a sintered metal and glass.Specifically, each of the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15preferably contains a metal such as Cu, Ni, Ag, or Pd, as a sinteredmetal, and glass, for example. In other words, each of the first andsecond external electrodes 14 and 15 is preferably obtained by sinteringa mixture of a powder of a metal, such as Cu, Ni, Ag, or Pd, or an alloy(e.g., Ag—Pd alloy) containing at least one of the metals as a maincomponent and glass powder, for example. Each of the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15 preferably do not have a plating film orthe like arranged thereon. Therefore, a sintered metal is exposed at thesurface of the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15.

Glass is preferably added to the first and second external electrodes 14and 15 for the purpose of increasing the bonding properties of the firstand second external electrodes 14 and 15 for the ceramic elementassembly 10 or increasing the sealing properties of the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15. However, glass is not an essentialingredient, and each of the first and second external electrodes 14 and15 may be formed of substantially only a sintered metal, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first metal terminal 16 is bonded to thefirst external electrode 14. The first metal terminal 16 preferably isarranged substantially into an shape. The first metal terminal 16preferably has a bonding portion 16 a arranged to be bonded to the firstexternal electrode and a mounting portion 16 b arranged to be mounted ona mounting substrate (not shown).

A second metal terminal 17 is bonded to the second external electrode15. The second metal terminal 17 preferably is arranged substantiallyinto an “L” shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the second metal terminal 17preferably has a bonding portion 17 a arranged to be bonded to thesecond external electrode 15 and a mounting portion 17 b arranged to bemounted on a mounting substrate (not shown).

Each of the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 preferably hasterminal bodies 18 a and 18 b and plating films 19 a and 19 b. Theplating films 19 a and 19 b are defined on the terminal bodies 18 a and18 b, respectively. With the plating film 19 a, the exposed portions ofthe terminal bodies 18 a and 18 b are covered.

The plating films 19 a and 19 b preferably have lower plating films 20 aand 20 b and upper plating films 21 a and 21 b, respectively. The lowerplating films 20 a and 20 b are arranged on the terminal bodies 18 a and18 b, respectively. The upper plating films 21 a and 21 b are arrangedon the lower plating films 20 a and 20 b, respectively. Each of thelower plating films 20 a and 20 b and each of the upper plating films 21a and 21 b may be formed of a plurality of plating films.

The thickness of the terminal bodies 18 a and 18 b is preferably about0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, for example. The thickness of the lower platingfilms 20 a and 20 b is preferably about 1.0 μm to about 5.0 μm, forexample. The thickness of the upper plating films 21 a and 21 b ispreferably about 1.0 μm to about 5.0 μm, for example.

According to this preferred embodiment, each of the terminal bodies 18 aand 18 b and each of the lower plating films 20 a and 20 b preferablycontain Ni, Fe, Cu, Ag, Cr, or an alloy containing at least one of themetals as a main component, for example. Each of the terminal bodies 18a and 18 b and each of the lower plating films 20 a and 20 b preferablycontain Ni, Fe, Cr, or an alloy containing at least one of the metals asa main component, for example. Specifically, as base materials of theterminal bodies 18 a and 18 b, an Fe-42Ni alloy or an Fe-18Cr alloy isused, for example.

The heat resistance of the first and second external electrodes 14 and15 can be increased by forming each of the terminal bodies 18 a and 18 band each of the lower plating films 20 a and 20 b using Ni, Fe, or Crhaving a high melting point or an alloy containing at least one of themetals as a main component.

The upper plating films 21 a and 21 b contain Sn, Ag, Au, or an alloycontaining at least one of the metals as a main component. Preferably,the upper plating films 21 a and 21 b contain Sn or an alloy containingSn as a main component.

By the forming of the upper plating films 21 a and 21 b using Sn or analloy containing Sn as a main component, the diffusion of metal from thefirst and second metal terminals 16 and 17 into the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15 can be accelerated.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section showing a bonding state of the firstexternal electrode 14 with the first metal terminal 16. As shown in FIG.5, in this preferred embodiment, the first external electrode 14 and thefirst metal terminal 16 are directly diffusion-bonded when metals M1 toM3 in the first metal terminal 16 are diffused, on the atomic level,into the first external electrode 14. Similarly, the second externalelectrode 15 and the second metal terminal 17 are directlydiffusion-bonded when metals M1 to M3 in the second metal terminal 17are diffused, on the atomic level, into the second external electrode15. Specifically, the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15 andthe first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 are directlydiffusion-bonded, respectively, when both metals of the terminal bodies18 a and 18 b and metals of the plating films 19 a and 19 b are diffusedinto the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view. It should be noted that the kinds of metalsdiffused into the first external electrode 14 are not limited to thethree kinds. Reference character “G” in FIG. 5 represents glass.

Next, processes for manufacturing the ceramic electronic component 1will be described in detail.

First, a ceramic green sheet, a conductive paste used for internalelectrode formation to form the first and second internal electrodes 12and 13, and a conductive paste used for external electrode formation toform the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15 are prepared.Known organic binders and organic solvents can be used as an organicbinder or an organic solvent contained in the ceramic green sheet, theconductive paste for internal electrode formation, and the conductivepaste for external electrode formation.

Next, an internal electrode pattern is formed by printing the conductivepaste used for internal electrode formation on the ceramic green sheet.The conductive paste used for internal electrode formation can beprinted by known methods, such as screen printing, for example.

Next, a given number of ceramic green sheets on which the internalelectrode pattern has been formed are laminated, and ceramic greensheets on which the internal electrode pattern is not formed arelaminated above and below the ceramic green sheets, whereby a motherlaminate is formed. The mother laminate may be pressed by isostaticpressing, for example, as required.

Next, the mother laminate is cut into a predetermined shape anddimensions to thereby obtain a raw ceramic laminate. The obtained rawceramic laminate is fired. The firing temperature of the raw ceramiclaminate is suitably determined according to the kind of the ceramic,the conductive paste for internal electrode formation, etc.Specifically, the firing temperature of the raw ceramic laminate isadjusted to be about 900° C. to about 1300° C., for example.

Next, the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15 are formed byapplying the conductive paste used for external electrode formation toboth end surfaces of the fired ceramic laminate, and then firing. Thefiring temperature of the conductive paste used for external electrodeformation is suitably determined according to the kind of the conductivepaste for external electrode formation. Specifically, the firingtemperature of the conductive paste used for external electrodeformation is adjusted to be about 700° C. to about 900° C., for example.The firing of the conductive paste used for external electrode formationand the firing of the raw ceramic laminate are performed in air, in anN₂ atmosphere, or in an atmosphere of steam and N₂, for example.

Next, the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 arediffusion-bonded to the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15,respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a current is preferablyapplied between a pair of bonding terminals 25 a and 25 b (for example,welding rods) in a state where the pair of bonding terminals 25 a and 25b are pressed against the first metal terminal 16 while the firstexternal electrode 14 and the first metal terminal 16 are in contactwith each other. Thus, the tips of the bonding terminals 25 a and 25 b,the first metal terminal 16, and the first external electrode 14 areheated. Here, in this preferred embodiment, the first external electrode14 contains a sintered metal and has gaps between metal particles. Thegaps between metal particles are preferably filled with glass. Thus,when the tips of the bonding terminals 25 a and 25 b, the first metalterminal 16, and the first external electrode 14 are heated, diffusionof the metal in the first metal terminal 16 into the metal particles ofthe first external electrode 14 is accelerated. As a result, the firstmetal terminal 16 and the first external electrode 14 arediffusion-bonded to each other.

Similarly, a current is applied between a pair of bonding terminals 25 aand 25 b in a state where the pair of bonding terminals 25 a and 25 bare pressed against the second metal terminal 17 while the secondexternal electrode 15 and the second metal terminal 17 are in contactwith each other. Thus, the tips of the bonding terminals 25 a and 25 b,the second metal terminal 17, and the second external electrode 15 areheated, and then the metal in the second metal terminal 17 is diffusedinto the second external electrode 15. As a result, the second externalelectrode 15 and the second metal terminal 17 are diffusion-bonded toeach other.

There is no limitation regarding the material of the bonding terminals25 a and 25 b. The bonding terminals 25 a and 25 b may be formed oftungsten, for example. The bonding conditions of the first and secondmetal terminals 16 and 17 are suitably determined according to thematerials or the like of the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17and the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15. In thispreferred embodiment, the diffusion-bonding of the first and secondmetal terminals 16 and 17 is generally performed at a maximum current ofabout 200 A to about 800 A, at a welding time of about 300 msec to about1000 msec, at a welding pressure of about 30 N to about 50 N, and at amaximum temperature near the bonding portion of about 700° C. to about900° C.

As described above, in this preferred embodiment, the first and secondmetal terminals 16 and 17 are preferably directly diffusion-bonded tothe first and second external electrodes 14 and 15, respectively.Therefore, a solder and a bonding interface with a solder do not existin the bonding portion, unlike a case where solder bonding is performedusing a solder as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2003-303736. Thus, a ceramic electronic component havinghigh reliability which is free from deterioration of the solder itselfor deterioration of the bonding portion due to the generation of anintermetallic compound at the bonding interface under a high temperatureenvironment or a thermal-cycle environment can be provided.

In this preferred embodiment, a solder does not need to be separatelyprepared. Therefore, the material cost of the ceramic electroniccomponent 1 can be reduced while the manufacturing processes of theceramic electronic component 1 can be simplified.

When the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 and the first andsecond external electrodes 14 and 15 are directly diffusion-bonded toeach other, respectively, as in this preferred embodiment, the heatresistance and thermal shock resistance of the ceramic electroniccomponent 1 can increase, unlike the case where a high temperaturesolder containing no lead is used as disclosed in Japanese UnexaminedPatent Application Publication No. 2003-303736.

In this preferred embodiment, the plating films 19 a and 19 b are formedon the terminal bodies 18 a and 18 b. Therefore, the diffusion of metalfrom the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 to the first andsecond external electrodes 14 and 15 can be accelerated. Moreover, whenthe plating films 19 a and 19 b are formed on the terminal bodies 18 aand 18 b, the mounting properties of the ceramic electronic component 1for the mounting board can be improved.

In this preferred embodiment, a description is given about a case wherethe first and second internal electrodes 12 and 13 are arranged insidethe ceramic element assembly 10. In the present invention, the first andsecond internal electrodes 12 and 13 are not essential constituentrequirements. The ceramic element assembly 10 may contain a pair ofceramics in which no electrodes are formed.

Hereinafter, further preferred embodiments and modifications ofpreferred examples of the present invention will be described. In thefollowing description, members having functions substantially commonwith those of the first preferred embodiment are denoted with the samereference numerals, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.

First Modified Example

The first preferred embodiment describes an example where a pair ofbonding terminals 25 a and 25 b are used for the diffusion-bonding ofthe first and second external electrodes 14 and 15 with the first andsecond metal terminals 16 and 17, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6. Thebonding terminals used for the diffusion-bonding of the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15 with the first and second metal terminals16 and 17, respectively, are not limited to the bonding terminals 25 aand 25 b.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first and second externalelectrodes 14 and 15 and the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17may also be diffusion-bonded using a bonding terminal 27 having aresistive portion 26. Specifically, the bonding terminal 27 has a firstterminal portion 28 a and a second terminal portion 28 b. The tip of thefirst terminal portion 28 a and the tip of the second terminal portion28 b are connected by the resistive portion 26. Therefore, when acurrent is applied between the first terminal portion 28 a and thesecond terminal portion 28 b, the resistive portion 26 functions as aresistive element to generate heat.

When the resistive portion 26 is brought into contact with the firstmetal terminal 16, and a current is applied between the first and secondterminal portions 28 a and 28 b, the first metal terminal 16 and thefirst external electrode 14 can be heated with the resistive portion 26for diffusion-bonding.

The junction terminal 27 can be formed of tungsten, for example,similarly as in the bonding terminals 25 a and 25 b of the firstpreferred embodiment.

In this modified example, the diffusion-bonding of the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15 with the first and second metal terminals16 and 17 is generally performed at a maximum current of about 1200 A toabout 2000 A, at a welding time of about 500 msec to 1500 msec, at awelding pressure of about 60 N to about 100 N, and at a maximumtemperature near the bonding portion of about 700° C. to about 900° C.,for example.

Second Preferred Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 8, the first metal terminal 16 and the first externalelectrode 14 may be bonded to each other at a plurality of bondingportions C. Similarly, the second metal terminal 17 and the secondexternal electrode 15 may be bonded to each other at a plurality ofbonding portions C. Specifically, in this preferred embodiment, thefirst and second metal terminals 16 and 17 and the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15 are bonded to each other, respectively, attwo bonding portions C.

When the first metal terminal 16 and the first external electrode 14 arebonded to each other at two bonding portions C, the first metal terminal16 and the first external electrode 14 can be bonded to each other usinga bonding terminal 29 shown in FIG. 9. The bonding terminal 29 has thefirst and second terminal portions 28 a and 28 b, first and secondresistive portions 30 a and 30 b, and a bonding portion 31. When thefirst metal terminal 16 and the first external electrode 14 are bondedto each other, the first and second resistive portions 30 a and 30 b arepressed against the first metal terminal 16. When a current is appliedbetween the first and second terminal portions 28 a and 28 b under thestate, the resistive portions 30 a and 30 b generate heat. As a result,in the bonding portion C, the first metal terminal 16 and the firstexternal electrode 14 are heated for diffusion-bonding.

As in this preferred embodiment, by providing the plurality of thebonding portions C of the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17with the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15, respectively, astress which generates in the ceramic element assembly 10 or the likewhen the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 and the first andsecond external electrodes 14 and 15 are bonded to each other,respectively, or during cooling after bonding can be dissipated.Therefore, the development of cracks in the ceramic element assembly 10or the like can be effectively prevented.

The hatched portions of FIGS. 8, 10, and 12 represent a bonding portionof the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 with the first andsecond external electrodes 14 and 15, respectively, and indentation onthe front surface of the metal terminal, and do not represent the crosssection of the members.

Third and Fourth Preferred Embodiments

FIG. 10 is a side view of the ceramic electronic component 1 accordingto a third preferred embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the first metalterminal 16 has a plurality of filament-shaped terminal portions 32disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel to each other.Although not shown, the second metal terminal 17 also has twofilament-shaped terminal portions 32 disposed in parallel orsubstantially in parallel to each other in this preferred embodimentsimilarly as the first metal terminal 16. The tip of each of theterminal portion 32 of the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 isdiffusion-bonded to the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15.

Thus, by providing the plurality of the terminal portions 32 to thefirst and second metal terminals 16 and 17, a stress can be dissipatedwhich generates in the ceramic element assembly 10 or the like when thefirst and second metal terminals 16 and 17 and the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15 are bonded to each other, respectively, orduring cooling after bonding. Therefore, the development of cracks inthe ceramic element assembly 10 or the like can be effectivelyminimized.

There is no limitation regarding the diffusion-bonding method of thefirst and second metal terminals 16 and 17 with the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15, respectively, in the third preferredembodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the diffusion-bonding ofthe first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 with the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15, respectively, in the third preferredembodiment can be achieved by the bonding terminal 27.

The number of the terminal portions 32 of the first and second metalterminals 16 and 17 is not limited to two. For example, as shown in FIG.12, three terminal portions 32 may be provided. In an example shown inFIG. 12, since four bonding portions C are provided, a stress generatedin the ceramic element assembly 10 or the like during bonding or coolingcan be more effectively dissipated. Therefore, the development of cracksin the ceramic element assembly 10 or the like can be more effectivelyminimized.

There is no limitation regarding the diffusion-bonding method of thefirst and second metal terminals 16 and 17 with the first and secondexternal electrodes 14 and 15, respectively, in the fourth preferredembodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the diffusion-bonding ofthe first metal terminal 16 and the first external electrode 14 in thefourth preferred embodiment can be achieved using the pair of thebonding terminals 25 a and 25 b. In this case, the diffusion-bonding ofthe terminal portion located outside and the first external electrode 14can be achieved by heat generation of the second bonding terminals 25 aand 25 b.

Second Modified Example

FIG. 14 is a cross section showing a ceramic electronic component in asecond modified example of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 14, an anti-corrosion film 35 that covers anexposed portion of the outer surface the first and second externalelectrodes 14 and 15 may be provided. Thus, oxidation of the first andsecond metal terminals 16 and 17 can be minimized.

The type of anti-corrosion film 35 is not limited. For example, theanti-corrosion film 35 may be an imidazole or benzotriazole organiccoating or a plating film, such as an Sn plating film.

Third Modified Example

There is no limitation regarding a heat source in the diffusion-bondingof the metal terminals 16 and 17 and the external electrodes 14 and 15,respectively. For example, a laser beam may be emitted from the metalterminal side in a state where the metal terminals 16 and 17 are incontact with the external electrodes 14 and 15, respectively. In such acase, the output of the laser is adjusted so that the externalelectrodes 14 and 15 do not melt.

Experimental Example

A paste in which Cu powder having an average particle diameter of about1.8 μm and glass powder having an average particle diameter of about 2μm were mixed with a weight ratio of about 9:1 was applied to both endsof the ceramic element assembly 10, and the resultant was fired at about88° C. for about 1 hour, thereby forming the first and second externalelectrodes 14 and 15.

An approximately 1.0 μm thick Ni plating film and an approximately 2.0μm thick Sn plating film were successively formed on an approximately0.1 mm thick metal plate formed of an Fe-42Ni alloy, therebymanufacturing the first and second metal terminals 16 and 17 shown inFIG. 10.

Next, the first external electrode 14 and the first metal terminal 16and the second external electrode 15 and the second metal terminal 17were brought into contact with each other, and were diffusion-bonded onthe conditions of a maximum current of about 280 A and a welding time ofabout 600 msec in a state where they are pressed against each other at awelding pressure of about 40 N.

As a comparative example, the first external electrode and the firstmetal terminal 16 and the second external electrode 15 and the secondmetal terminal 17 were bonded to each other using an Sn-0.7Cu solder.

Each of the diffusion-bonded ceramic electronic component and thesoldered ceramic electronic component was subjected to a reflow heatresistance test, a high temperature load test, and a thermal shock cycletest.

The reflow heat resistance test was performed by passing the ceramicelectronic components through an about 230° C. reflow furnace aplurality of times, and visually observing floating of the ceramicelement assembly 10.

Floating of the ceramic element assembly 10 was not observed in thediffusion-bonded ceramic electronic component even when it was made topass through the reflow furnace 10 times. In contrast, floating of theceramic element assembly 10 was observed in the soldered ceramicelectronic component after it was made to pass through the reflowfurnace 6 times. The results show that a higher heat resistance can beobtained in the case where the first and second metal terminals 16 and17 and the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15 werediffusion-bonded, respectively, compared with the case where they weresoldered.

A high temperature load test measured the bond strength between thefirst and second external electrodes 14 and 15 and the first and secondmetal terminals 16 and 17, respectively after the ceramic electroniccomponent was allowed to stand in an about 175° C. atmosphere for about1000 hours. Moreover, the diffusion-bonded ceramic electronic componentand the soldered ceramic electronic component before the hightemperature load test were measured for the bond strength between thefirst and second external electrodes 14 and 15 and the first and secondmetal terminals 16 and 17, respectively.

The bond strength was measured as follows: the center of the ceramicelement assembly was pressed in the direction in parallel to the firstand second metal terminals and in parallel to the substrate in a statewhere the first and second metal terminals of the ceramic electroniccomponent are fixed on the substrate, a load when the first and secondmetal terminals were disconnected was measured using a push-pull gauge(tradename: RX-100, manufactured by Aikoh Engineering Co., Ltd.), andthe measured load was used as the bond strength.

In the soldered ceramic electronic component, the bond strengthdecreased by as high as about 60% by the high temperature load test, andin contrast, in the diffusion-bonded ceramic electronic component, thebond strength decreased by as low as about 10% by the high temperatureload test. The results also show that a higher heat resistance can beobtained in the case where the first and second metal terminals 16 and17 and the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15 werediffusion-bonded, respectively, compared with the case where they weresoldered.

A thermal shock cycle test measured the bond strength between the firstand second external electrodes 14 and 15 and the first and second metalterminals 16 and 17, respectively, by the above-described procedureafter a cycle in which the ceramic electronic component was allowed tostand at a temperature of about 55° C. for about 30 minutes, and then ata temperature of about 125° C. for about 30 minutes was repeated about3000 times. Moreover, the diffusion-bonded ceramic electronic componentand the soldered ceramic electronic component before the thermal shockcycle test were measured for the bond strength between the first andsecond external electrodes 14 and 15 and the first and second metalterminals 16 and 17, respectively, by the above-described procedure.

In the soldered ceramic electronic component, the bond strengthdecreased as high as about 80% by the thermal shock cycle test, and incontrast, in the diffusion-bonded ceramic electronic component, thereduction in bond strength by the thermal shock cycle test was notobserved. The results also show that a higher thermal shock resistancecan be obtained in the case where the first and second metal terminals16 and 17 and the first and second external electrodes 14 and 15 werediffusion-bonded, respectively, compared with the case where they weresoldered.

As described above, according to the method for manufacturing theceramic electronic component according to various preferred embodimentsof the present invention, the external electrodes and the metalterminals are diffusion-bonded by heating in a state where the externalelectrodes and the metal terminals are brought into contact with eachother. In this case, it is preferable to bring a terminal fordiffusion-bonding into contact with the metal terminal, and apply acurrent a plurality of times. This will be described with reference toFIGS. 15 to 21. As shown in FIG. 15, the first and second metalterminals 16 and 17 are brought into contact with the externalelectrodes 14 and 15 of the ceramic element 2 described above,respectively, and terminals arranged to provide diffusion-bonding 41 and42 are brought into contact with the metal terminals 16 and 17 from theouter surface, followed by heating. Thus, the metal terminals 16 and 17are diffusion-bonded to the external electrodes 14 and 15, respectively.FIG. 15 schematically shows the terminals arranged to providediffusion-bonding 41 and 42, and suitable terminals according to aheating system are used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the terminal arranged to providediffusion-bonding 41 for heating by a pulse heat system may be broughtinto contact with the outer surface of the metal terminal 16 in aportion where the metal terminal 16 is brought into contact with theexternal electrode 14. In this case, a pulse current is applied to theterminal for diffusion-bonding 41 as indicated by the arrow of FIG. 16to heat the metal terminal 16.

In this case, when a pulse current is applied for heating, the metalterminal 16 and the external electrode 14 are heated and further theceramic element assembly 10 is heated. FIG. 17 is a view showing arelationship between a period of time while a pulse current is beingapplied and the temperature of the metal terminal 16. One division ofthe abscissa of FIG. 17 is about 0.2 second, for example. It is revealedthat the temperature of the metal terminal 16 increases as theapplication of a pulse current. Although depending on the material ofthe metal terminal 16, in order to achieve diffusion-bonding, when themetal terminal 16 is copper or when the external electrode 14 is copper,it is necessary to heat the same up to about 400° C. as shown in FIG.17. Thus, the metal terminal 16 can be diffusion-bonded to the externalelectrode 14.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the metal terminal 16 is heated from normaltemperature to about 400° C. in one current application, cracksdeveloped in the ceramic element assembly 10 in some cases.

For example, a current is applied as shown in FIG. 17, cracks developedin the ceramic element assembly 10 in 8 ceramic elements 2 out of 10ceramic elements 2.

In contrast, the present inventors discovered that the development ofcracks was suppressed when a current is applied a plurality of timeswhile stopping the current application until the temperature reachesabout 400° C., without heating from normal temperature to about 400° C.at one time. More specifically, it is revealed that when the metalterminal 16 is heated to about 230° C. by a first application of a pulsecurrent, the application is once stopped, and then a pulse current isapplied again about 0.3 second later to increase the temperature of themetal terminal 16 to about 400° C. as shown in FIG. 18, cracks hardlydevelop in the ceramic element assembly 10. According to the experiment,the development of cracks was not observed in 10 ceramic elements.

The difficulty of the development of cracks in the ceramic elementassembly 10 when a current is applied a plurality of times as shown inFIG. 18 is possibly based on the reduction in stress in the ceramicelement assembly 10 due to stopping of the heating after heated for agiven time to about 230° C.

Therefore, in various preferred embodiments of the present invention, acurrent is applied a plurality of times when the metal terminals 16 and17 are heated for diffusion-bonding.

In FIG. 18, a current is applied twice, but a current is applied 3 timesor more until the temperature reaches the maximum temperature byheating.

More preferably, a temperature at which cracks are likely to develop inthe ceramic element assembly 10 is measured by manufacturing the ceramicelement 2, and then heating the metal terminal 16 by one currentapplication. It is preferable to start a second current applicationafter a current is applied to the metal terminal 16 so as to not reachthe measured temperature, and then the current application is stopped.The method shows a temperature at which the current application needs tostop, e.g., about 230° C. in FIG. 18.

The heating method is not limited to the heating method by a pulse heatsystem, for example, a heating method by a parallel gap system shown inFIG. 19 may be employed. Here, the terminal for diffusion-bonding 41having a pair of probes 41 a and 41 b is used. The probes 41 a and 41 bare brought into contact with the metal terminal 16 at a given gap.Then, a current is applied as indicated by the arrow of FIG. 19 to heatthe metal terminal 16 by contact resistance. Also in the heating methodby a parallel gap system, the development of cracks in the ceramicelement assembly can be minimized by applying a current a plurality oftimes.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the current application may be performed aplurality of times to reach the maximum temperature by heating.Depending on the composition of the ceramic element assembly 10 to beused and the materials of the metal terminal 16 and the externalelectrode 14, a current may be applied in such a manner as to reduce atemperature decrease rate at the time of temperature decrease in which atemperature decreases from the maximum temperature to normaltemperature. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

In FIG. 20, the metal terminal 16 was heated using the ceramic elementassembly 10 having a composition different from the case of FIG. 17 by aheating method by a parallel gap heating system. Here, a current wasapplied in a period of time from normal temperature to A₀ of FIG. 20 toincrease the temperature of the metal terminal 16 to about 200° C. fordiffusion-bonding. The welding time A₀ is about 0.2 second. One divisionof the abscissa of FIGS. 20 and 21 is about 0.1 second.

In this case, the current application was stopped before the temperaturereaches about 200° C. as the maximum temperature. After reaching themaximum temperature, the temperature of the metal terminal 16 naturallydecreases. Therefore, the temperature decrease rate is relatively high.In this case, the development of cracks due to shrinkage of the ceramicelement assembly was sometimes observed in a period of temperaturedecrease.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 21, a current was applied only in a periodof A₀ to increase the temperature to the maximum temperature by heatingsimilarly as in FIG. 20, and then a smaller current was applied only ina period of A₁ in a period of temperature decrease to reduce atemperature decrease rate. In this case, the temperature decrease ratedecreases to reduce a temperature gradient in a period of temperaturedecrease. Therefore, the development of cracks due to shrinkage was notobserved in the ceramic element assembly. Thus, depending on thecomposition of the ceramic element assembly 10 and the material of themetal terminal 16, the development of cracks in the ceramic elementassembly 10 can be minimized by heating also in a period of temperaturedecrease to decrease the temperature decrease rate.

Therefore, in various preferred embodiments of the present invention, itis preferable to bring the terminal arranged to providediffusion-bonding into contact with the metal terminal, and apply acurrent a plurality of times when diffusion-bonding is performed byheating in a state where the external electrode and the metal terminalare brought into contact with each other. The plurality of currentapplications may be performed throughout the entire diffusion-bondingprocess. As shown in FIG. 18, the current application may be performed aplurality of times in a process until a temperature reaches the maximumtemperature. As shown in FIG. 21, the current application may beperformed a plurality of times before and after reaching the maximumtemperature.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above,it is to be understood that variations and modifications will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing the scope andspirit of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, is to bedetermined solely by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ceramic electronic component, comprising: aceramic element assembly; an external electrode arranged on a surface ofthe ceramic element assembly and including a sintered metal; and a metalterminal electrically connected to the external electrode; wherein theexternal electrode and the metal terminal are directly diffusion-bondedto one another by diffusion of metal in the metal terminal into theexternal electrode.
 2. The ceramic electronic component according toclaim 1, wherein the metal terminal includes a terminal body, a lowerplating film disposed on the terminal body, and an upper plating filmdisposed on the lower plating film; each of the terminal body and thelower plating film includes at least one of Ni, Fe, Cu, Ag, Cr, or analloy containing at least one of Ni, Fe, Cu, Ag, and Cr as a maincomponent; and the upper plating film includes at least one of Sn, Ag,Au, or an alloy containing at least one of Sn, Ag, and Au as a maincomponent.
 3. The ceramic electronic component according to claim 1,wherein the metal terminal includes a terminal body and a plating filmdisposed on the terminal body; and the external electrode includes atleast one of Cu, Ni, Ag, Pd, or an alloy containing at least one of Cu,Ni, Ag, and Pd as a main component.
 4. The ceramic electronic componentaccording to claim 2, wherein a thickness of the terminal body is about0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm; a thickness of the lower plating film is about1.0 μm to about 5.0 μm; and a thickness of the upper plating film isabout 1.0 μm to about 5.0 μm.
 5. The ceramic electronic componentaccording to claim 1, further comprising an anti-corrosion film arrangedto cover an exposed portion of an outer surface of the externalelectrode.
 6. The ceramic electronic component according to claim 1,wherein the external electrode and the metal terminal arediffusion-bonded to one another at a plurality of locations.
 7. Theceramic electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the metalterminal is diffusion-bonded to the external electrode and includes aplurality of filament-shaped terminal portions disposed substantially inparallel to each other.
 8. The ceramic electronic component according toclaim 1, wherein the ceramic element assembly includes a first endsurface and a second end surface that are mutually opposite to oneanother, the external electrode includes a first external electrode thatcovers the first end surface and a second external electrode that coversthe second end surface, and the metal terminal includes a first metalterminal electrically connected to the first external electrode and asecond metal terminal electrically connected to the second externalelectrode.
 9. The ceramic electronic component according to claim 1,wherein a surface of the external electrode is not covered with aplating film.
 10. A ceramic electronic component, comprising: a ceramicelement assembly; an external electrode arranged on a surface of theceramic element assembly and including a sintered metal; and a metalterminal electrically connected to the external electrode; wherein asintered metal is exposed at a surface of the external electrode. 11.The ceramic electronic component according to claim 10, wherein themetal terminal includes a terminal body, a lower plating film disposedon the terminal body, and an upper plating film disposed on the lowerplating film; each of the terminal body and the lower plating filmincludes at least one of Ni, Fe, Cu, Ag, Cr, or an alloy containing atleast one of Ni, Fe, Cu, Ag, and Cr as a main component; and the upperplating film includes at least one of Sn, Ag, Au, or an alloy containingat least one of Sn, Ag, and Au as a main component.
 12. The ceramicelectronic component according to claim 10, wherein the metal terminalincludes a terminal body and a plating film disposed on the terminalbody; and the external electrode includes at least one of Cu, Ni, Ag,Pd, or an alloy containing at least one of the metals as a maincomponent.
 13. The ceramic electronic component according to claim 11,wherein the terminal body includes an Fe-42Ni alloy or an Fe-18Cr alloy;the lower plating film includes Ni; and the upper plating film includesSn.
 14. The ceramic electronic component according to claim 12, whereinthe external electrode includes Cu.
 15. The ceramic electronic componentaccording to claim 11, wherein a thickness of the terminal body is about0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm; a thickness of the lower plating film is about1.0 μm to about 5.0 μm; and a thickness of the upper plating film isabout 1.0 μm to about 5.0 μm.
 16. The ceramic electronic componentaccording to claim 10, further comprising an anti-corrosion filmarranged to cover an exposed portion of an outer surface of the externalelectrode.
 17. The ceramic electronic component according to claim 10,wherein the external electrode and the metal terminal arediffusion-bonded to one another at a plurality of locations.
 18. Theceramic electronic component according to claim 17, wherein the metalterminal is diffusion-bonded to the external electrode and includes aplurality of filament-shaped terminal portions disposed substantially inparallel to each other.
 19. The ceramic electronic component accordingto claim 10, wherein the ceramic element assembly includes a first endsurface and a second end surface that are mutually opposite to oneanother; the external electrode includes a first external electrode thatcovers the first end surface and a second external electrode that coversthe second end surface; and the metal terminal includes a first metalterminal electrically connected to the first external electrode and asecond metal terminal electrically connected to the second externalelectrode.
 20. The ceramic electronic component according to claim 10,wherein a surface of the external electrode is not covered with aplating film.